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Catherine O. (Altavista, VA)
A Book With Heart
I will take Tanner and Louise over Thelma and Louise any day! I so enjoyed this novel. The characters were engaging and realistic and the plot was fast paced and linear with just enough explanation to fill in gaps in the story. The original way the author noted her timeline on chapter headings was unique and helpful. I love a book where characters evolve, I love a book with unusual friendships, I love a book with surprises: The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise had it all! As I mature, it is refreshing to find senior characters that still have sass and vigor. I will be recommending this book to my book
…more club, I think it would lead to a great discussion. (less)I had the pleasure of reading an e-galley of this quirky, yet heartwarming tale and what a delight! Tanner and Louise are such an unlikely pair who end up on a madcap adventure together. As the story unfolds the reader soon finds out all is not what it seems. This is a quick moving mystery tale with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and some nuggets of wisdom thrown in. The overall theme of friendship ties it all together nicely. The character development would make this a great book club read. Truly a pleasurable read!
Jennie W. (Denver, CO)
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
I have been in a reading funk lately, not able to finish the last three books I picked up. This book was the perfect remedy. It was fun, while also being mysterious and heartfelt. The characters were so fully developed, I felt as if I knew them intimately by the end of the story. I learned that no matter what stage of life you are in, you can make new friends, have adventures and learn something along the way.
Theresa P. (Arkport, NY)
A fun read
This was a first class read! It read quickly, and unfolded beautifully and believably. It had surprises rather than predictability, and it is a book I can recommend to any age. A story about an unhappy 21 year old and an unhealthy 84 year old worked! I predict this will be popular, passed from one reader to the next.
Janet T. (Westford, MA)
The Mostly True Story of Tanner Louise
A humorous tale of the adventures and misconceptions of an 84 year old women and the young girl she hires as her driver. Over a short span of time the two protagonists forge an unusual relationship and there are definitely surprises. Lots of laughs and breaking of stereotypes. Highly recommend this book and it would provide a lively book club discussion.
Judith M. (Granville, OH)
Intergenerational Friendship
I loved The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley!
According to Louise, 90 percent of a crime caper is the setup and the best ones contain misdirection and cleverness. Criminals only succeed if they are intelligent and have patience. This book is the perfect crime caper with intelligent and patient characters.
Tanner, age 21, needs a place to live and Louise's children don't think she is fit at 84 to live alone. In exchange for a room, Tanner drives Louise to her appointments and is just there. Each have their preconceived opinions of the other. Then, Louise receives a life-changing letter
…more form George and Tanner sees a woman on a TV wanted poster that looks just like Louise. Is this the beginning of an adventure, or just the beginning of the setup? Among those added along the way are a good- looking man, an FBI agent, a priest, a mob criminal, and a bar tender each adding another layer to the cleverness of the caper.
On the surface this book is funny, tender, exciting, and clever. But there is a lot to unpack with each character and in each leg of the journey. I didn't want it to end. (less)What do you get when you throw an old, steely woman together with a young college dropout? This book tries to answer that question, and I loved their journey.
Early on I thought Oakley's book was just contemporary fiction, but it wasn't long before I uncovered the mysteries woven into the plot. It was skillfully written. I loved the quirky personalities of the characters as well as the way the character development unfolded.
Lorraine D. (Lacey, WA)
Coming of Age at Any Age - Mystery, Flight,Risk,Adventure and More
This book is more than just a "coming" of age story; it is also a "becoming" of who I am, or was, story (if there is such a thing), or a rebirth. When Tanner, an unsettled college drop-out, has repeated issues with her parents, she is told to leave and find her way. They help her along by connecting her with a senior who needs a caretaker. Tanner reluctantly agrees to take on the job. When Louise, a senior with issues, interviews her and somewhat reluctantly agrees to hire her. Tanner shows up for work, the sparks fly, aggravation mounts, and discovery happens. All of this leads to mystery, an adventurous get-
…more away, pursuit by the FBI, guns, flight, and yes, even some romance along the way.
What I found most intriguing is that the main protagonist is an elderly, mobility challenged woman. It is not often that you see a senior in that role. She is the mystery, and it makes for a great read. I was reluctant to put the book down. This is the first Colleen Oakley novel that I read and I see that I may have missed some excellent opportunities that I will now seek. (less)
